Funnyman Ricky Gervais is celebrating a victory after a ban on using wild animals in circuses was passed in Britain.
The comedian and longtime animal rights activist has been outspoken in pressuring government officials into outlawing tigers, lions, elephants and other exotic creatures from the big top.
On Thursday, the Department for the Environment confirmed plans to implement the crackdown within two years.
Gervais took to his Twitter.com page to share his delight, writing, “We won… Congrats Twonks (fans). A victory for compassion.”
Sir Paul McCartney also threw his support behind the legislation, while American stars including Pink, Demi Moore and Olivia Munn have helped spearhead a campaign to eliminate elephants from U.S. circuses.